Summer Depression

TIPS FOR COPING

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is very common, but many people think this only occurs in the winter when the weather is cold and gloomy, and the nights are longer. However, SAD can occur at any time of year, and many people see their depression worsening in the summer months.

Why Summer Depression?

The reasons for SAD at different times of the year are not always black and white. With people who get worsened depression symptoms in the winter, it seems more predictable since it is dark, gloomy, with more days spent indoors, more isolation, and less vitamin D from the sun. 

However, there are a different set of reasons for getting it during hot months. This might include body image issues with people wearing less clothing, having memories from a trauma that occurred in a previous summer, or just a cyclical type of depression that tends to occur at the same time every year.

Find Something Fun to do

This might be easier said than done, especially if you have low functioning depression where you don’t want to do anything or see anyone. 

However, if you can find the right reason to do something, it can make a big difference in how you feel. Try to find something fun, whether it is with family and friends, or a solo activity. 

If you are okay with remaining isolated, don’t force yourself to do something you’re not comfortable with. Just find an activity you enjoy doing that makes summer at least a little easier to deal with.

Get Exercise When You Can

Endorphins are released to help lift your mood when you exercise, so it is never a bad thing. If it’s too hot in the summer to exercise outdoors, go to a gym or just dance around in your living room. You can even make it a group activity with your family, which is also great for you when you suffer from depression.

Replace Your Triggers

And lastly, you guessed it, reduce those triggers as much as possible. If you have a trauma that occurred during the summer, try to figure out what reminds you the most of it . It may be something very simple like a song, places you go, or just the beach. Avoid these types of triggers as much as you can. 

Is social media making you feel worse about your own isolation? Either try to reach out to people to spend time with, or just close social media to get rid of this trigger.